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| Kevin DeWall's entire coaching career has been with Hobart. Hobart athletics photo |
Kevin DeWall has been selected as the next head coach of the Endicott football program, it was announced Feb. 24 by athletic director Brian Wylie.
DeWall comes to Endicott after spending 19 seasons with Hobart, four as a player from 1996-99, three as an assistant coach from 2000-02, and the last 12 as the team's offensive coordinator in which he elevated the program's national recognition through offensive consistency and productivity, top-level national recruiting, and a focus on academic accountability from his players.
DeWall replaces J.B. Wells, who had been the coach of the program since its inception. Wells took a job as head coach at Bowdoin.
"It is with great excitement that we welcome Coach DeWall as the second coach of the Endicott football program," said Wylie. "Coach DeWall comes to Endicott with a remarkable track record of nearly two decades of personal development, academic growth, and athletic dominance with Hobart, a program which has certainly drawn national praise with him on the sidelines. Our Community is fortunate to have a tremendous coaching mind like his to guide the next era of Endicott football. Coupled with his coaching experience, we are thrilled that he brings the 'team player' mentality, phenomenal work ethic, and passion to excel in every facet of life that we talk about every day here at Endicott."
"I would like to thank director of athletics Dr. Brian Wylie, president Richard E. Wylie, and Mr. Tom Redman for the great opportunity to be their head football coach at Endicott College," said DeWall. "During my conversations and time on campus, it is quick to see that Endicott College is an institution that has a demonstrated commitment in the overall academic and athletic experience for their students. This is something that is important to me, and is very similar to my time at Hobart College. My experience at Hobart has been truly special, and it would be impossible to thank and name all of the people who I have great relationships with and have supported our program along the way."
After closing the books on Hobart's 12-1 season in 2014 that ended in their second trip in the past three seasons to the NCAA quarterfinals, the Statesmen have officially enjoyed a 124-34 record in 15 seasons with DeWall on the coaching staff. Hobart has qualified for the NCAA playoffs in 11 of those 15 seasons, including each of the past four campaigns, and have hoisted the Liberty League Championship trophy seven times during that span.
DeWall's impact on the Hobart's rise towards national prominence can be seen in the fact that the offensive has generated eight of the top nine scoring seasons and eight of the top 10 seasons of total offense in school history. That includes 2012's record breaking 469-point, 5,386-yard offensive outburst and 2014's second-best 392-point, 4,857-yard season. More specifically, the Statesmen's passing game has benefited from DeWall's coaching with numerous quarterbacks setting new program records for efficiency, yardage, and touchdowns as well as receiving yardage, receptions, and touchdown record-makers from Hobart's wideouts. Additionally, DeWall has integrated four running backs over his tenure that have eclipsed 1,000 yards on the ground in six separate seasons and in the 2012 season showcased Hobart as the only program in the country to have two 1,000-yard rushers and a 2,000-yard passer.
Since 2003, Hobart's offense has placed 77 players on the All-Liberty League teams including 30 First Team selections.
Endicott has enjoyed success over the past 12 years since the program's first varsity season in 2003 under the tutelage of former head coach J.B. Wells who moved on Bowdoin. Prior to last season's 5-5 (4-3 NEFC) campaign, the Blue and Green had accumulated a 31-9 (25-3 NEFC) record and in the process raised banners for NEFC Championships in 2010 and 2013 as well as ECAC North Bowl victories in 2011 and 2012. Following their NEFC title-winning games, Endicott claimed the league's automatic qualifying bid into the NCAA Tournament where they exited in the First Round.
In addition to his coaching acumen, DeWall is a proven recruiter of scholar-athletes and leaders with four Academic All-Americans and six captains coming from his primary recruiting zones in 2013 and 2014. DeWall worked closely with his offensive unit as an academic mentor by facilitating study halls, grade checks, and monitoring progress reports.
"There is a great deal of excitement and momentum on Endicott's campus and within their athletic programs, and I am excited and thankful for the opportunity to lead their football program moving forward."